Methods for treating chemically relaxed hair

ABSTRACT

The instant disclosure relates to methods for treating chemically relaxed hair. The methods include applying a neutralizing composition to the chemically relaxed hair, the neutralizing composition comprising: at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid, one or more C 2 -C 6  monoalkanolamines, and water. The neutralizing composition is allowed to remain on the hair for a period of time. The hair is also treated with a neutralizing conditioner, which is a different than the neutralizing composition. The neutralizing conditioner includes: at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid, one or more C 2 -C 6  monoalkanolamines, one or more cationic surfactants, and water. The neutralizing conditioner is allowed to remain on the hair for a period of time. After treatment with a neutralizing composition and a neutralizing conditioner, the hair may be further treated with a shampoo, a conditioner, a conditioning shampoo, etc., dried, and/or styled.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant disclosure relates to methods for treating chemicallyrelaxed hair. The methods strengthen the hair, minimize or compensatefor damage to the hair, and improve the sensorial properties of the hairby imparting smoothness, softness, suppleness, etc.

BACKGROUND

Many chemical treatments are available for changing the appearance ofhair. For example, chemical treatments for permanently straightening orcurling the hair are common. Also, hair may be lightened or bleached andoxidative dyes can be used to change the color of the hair. Chemicaltreatments are popular because their effects are long-lasting and can bedrastic. Nonetheless, the biggest drawback to chemical treatments is thestrain and damage caused to hair. This is because chemical treatmentspermanently change the chemical and physical structure of the hair.Chemical treatments can remove moisture from the surface of the haircuticles resulting in the hair becoming brittle, dry, and morevulnerable to breakage.

Individuals seeking to change the shape of hair often turn to chemicalprocedures that use chemical relaxer compositions. Chemical relaxercompositions are often used on curly hair. The chemical relaxercompositions make hair easier to straighten by chemically “relaxing” thenatural curls. The active agent is often a strong alkali, although someformulations are based on ammonium thioglycolate instead. Hair relaxercompositions are applied to hair at a salon by a professional or in thehome by the individual consumer.

Hair fiber is a keratinous material, which is comprised of proteins(polypeptides). Many of the polypeptides in hair fibers are bondedtogether by disulfide bonds (—S—S—). A disulfide bond may be formed fromthe reaction of the two sulfhydryl groups (—SH), one on each of twocysteine residues, which results in the formation of a cystine residue.While there may be other types of bonds between the polypeptides in hairfibers, such as ionic salt bonds, the permanent curling and shape of thehair is essentially dependent on the disulfide bonds of cystineresidues.

Chemical relaxing processes alter the aforementioned disulfide bondsbetween polypeptides in hair fibers to form lanthionine[S(CH₂CHNH₂COOH)₂]. Thus, the term “lanthionizing” is often used whenreferring to the relaxing or straightening of keratin fibers byhydroxide ions. Hair fibers may be relaxed or straightened by disruptingthe disulfide bonds of the hair fibers with an alkaline agent or with areducing agent. The chemical disruption of disulfide bonds with analkaline agent is generally combined with mechanical straightening ofthe hair, such as combing, and straightening generally occurs due tochanges in the relative positions of opposing polypeptide chains withinthe hair fiber. This reaction is generally terminated by rinsing and/orapplication of a neutralizing composition.

The reaction with the alkaline agent is normally initiated by hydroxideions. Hair relaxing processes proceed via the release of the hydroxideions, which penetrate the hair fiber and transform cystine residues tolanthionine residues. Chemical relaxer compositions often containvarying proportions of strong water-soluble bases, such as sodiumhydroxide (NaOH), or include slightly-soluble metal hydroxides, such ascalcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), which can be converted in situ to solublebases, such as guanidine hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is extremelyeffective in straightening hair fibers but often causes a decrease inthe strength of the hair fibers. Chemical relaxer composition oftendamage the hair to an extent and cause the hair to lose some of itsdesirable cosmetic properties such as shine, strength, smoothness, etc.Thus, mechanisms to reduce or prevent damage to hair and for improvingthe cosmetic properties of hair treated with chemical relaxercompositions are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant disclosure relates to methods for treating chemicallyrelaxed. The methods dramatically improve the quality and durability ofthe chemically relaxed hair. Damage during the chemical relaxing processis repaired, minimized, and/or compensated for with various compositionsused in the methods that restructure, strengthen, and/or protect thekeratin fibers of the hair. Hair treated according to the methods is notonly strengthened but the hair's cosmetic properties (e.g., softness,smoothness, and discipline) are considerably improved. Furthermore,consumers find the natural look and feel of hair treated according tothe methods to be very appealing.

The methods typically include:

applying a neutralizing composition to hair within 24 hours from rinsinga chemical relaxer composition from the hair, the neutralizingcomposition comprising:

-   -   at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid selected from        the group consisting of maleic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid,        malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, citric acid,        glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid,        fumaric acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, glyoxylic acid        monohydrate, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof, in        particular, maleic acid, malonic acid, a salt thereof, or a        mixture thereof;    -   one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines, in particular,        monoethanolamine; and    -   water;

allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on the hair for a periodof time (e.g., about 10 seconds to about 30 minutes, about 5 minute toabout 15 minutes, or about 8 to about 12 minutes);

after allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on the hair for aperiod of time, without rinsing the neutralizing composition from thehair, applying a neutralizing conditioner, the neutralizing conditionercomprising:

-   -   at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid selected from        the group consisting of maleic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid,        malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, citric acid,        glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid,        fumaric acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, glyoxylic acid        monohydrate, and a mixture thereof, in particular, maleic acid,        malonic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof;    -   one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines, in particular,        monoethanolamine;    -   one or more cationic surfactants; and water;

allowing the neutralizing conditioner to remain on the hair for a periodof time (e.g., about 10 seconds to about 30 minutes, about 5 minute toabout 15 minutes, or about 8 to about 12 minutes); and

after allowing the neutralizing conditioner to remain on the hair for aperiod of time, rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and theneutralizing composition from the hair.

After rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizingcomposition from the hair, the hair may further shampooed with a shampooand/or conditioned with a conditioner. Also, the hair may besubsequently dried and styled, for example, the hair may be dried with ablow dryer and/or styled with a hot iron.

The neutralizing composition and the neutralizing conditioner are notidentical compositions although they may both include identicalcarboxylic acid(s) and/or identical C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines. Theneutralizing conditioner typically differs from the neutralizingcomposition by including components that provide conditioning propertiesto the hair, for example, cationic surfactants, cationic polymers,water-soluble solvents, fatty compounds, etc. The neutralizingcomposition provides initial neutralization of the pH of the chemicallyrelaxed hair, i.e., the neutralizing composition reduces the alkaline pHof chemically relaxed hair (pH of about 8-10) to an acidic pH of lessthan 7. Although the neutralizing conditioner continues to neutralizethe pH of the hair (i.e., continues to reduce the pH of the hair), itadditionally provides conditioning, strengthening, and other desirableproperties to the hair.

The ratio of the total amount of the at least one carboxylic acid, asalt thereof, or mixture thereof in the neutralizing composition to thetotal amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines in theneutralizing composition is about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about4:1, or about 1:1 to about 3:1. Likewise, the ratio of the total amountof the at least one carboxylic acid, a salt thereof, or mixture thereofin the neutralizing composition to the total amount of the one or moreC₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines in the neutralizing composition is about 1:1 toabout 5:1, about 1:1 to about 4:1, or about 1:1 to about 3:1.

The total amount of the one or more carboxylic acids in the neutralizingcomposition and/or the neutralizing conditioner may vary but istypically at least 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, orabout 1 to about 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingcomposition. The total amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolaminesin the neutralizing composition may vary but is typically about 0.1 toabout 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, or about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, based on the total weight of the neutralizing composition.

The total amount of the one or more carboxylic acids in the neutralizingconditioner and/or the neutralizing conditioner may vary but istypically at least 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, orabout 1 to about 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner. The total amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolaminesin the neutralizing conditioner may vary but is typically about 0.1 toabout 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, or about 0.5 to about 6 wt.%, based on the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner.

The various composition used in the disclosed methods may be included inkits. For example, a kit may include a neutralizing composition and aneutralizing conditioner, wherein each composition is separatelycontained. In some cases, the kit may additionally include a chemicalreducing composition. In some cases, the kits may also include ashampooing and/or cleansing composition (e.g., a shampoo, a conditioner(different than the neutralizing conditioner), a conditioning shampoo(all-in-one shampoo/conditioner), etc.). Instructions, mixingcomponents, brushes, gloves, measuring tools, etc., may also be includedin the kits.

As mentioned previously, the methods of the disclosure dramaticallyimprove the quality and durability of the chemically relaxed hair.Accordingly, the disclosure relates to methods for repairing,minimizing, and/or compensating for damage to chemically relaxed hair.Moreover, the methods relate to restructuring, strengthening, and/orrejuvenating the keratin fibers of hair. In particular, the methodsimprove the Young's modulus of the hair and/or improve the break stressof the hair. Therefore, in some instances, the methods relates toincreasing a mean Young's modulus of hair and/or increasing the breakstress of hair, for example, by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, or more, relativeto chemically relaxed hair to which a neutralizing composition and aneutralizing conditioner of the instant disclosure is not applied (i.e.,relative to chemically relaxed hair not treated according to thedisclosed methods).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a typical stress-strain curve for dry hair with arrowsidentifying which part of the curve relates to the Young's modulus, theplateau load, the break force, and the break extension;

FIG. 2(a) is a graph showing the Young's modulus (the elastic modulus)of hair treated with only a sodium hydroxide based chemical relaxercomposition (A1), hair treated according to a commercially availablemethod (A2), and hair treated according to the instant disclosure (A3);

FIG. 2(b) is a graph showing the Young's modulus (the elastic modulus)of hair treated with only a guanidine based chemical relaxer composition(B1), hair treated according to a commercially available method (B2),and hair treated according to the instant disclosure (b3);

FIG. 3(a) is a graph showing the break stress of hair treated with onlya chemical relaxer composition (A1), hair treated according to acommercially available method (A2), and hair treated according to theinstant disclosure (A3); and

FIG. 3(b) is a graph showing the Young's modulus (the elastic modulus)of hair treated with only a guanidine based chemical relaxer composition(B1), hair treated according to a commercially available method (B2),and hair treated according to the instant disclosure (B3).

It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to thearrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The methods of the instant disclosure involve treating chemicallyrelaxed hair with a sequence of unique hair-treatment compositions thatneutralize, strengthen, and improve the cosmetic properties of the hair.For example, after a chemical relaxer composition is rinsed from thehair, the hair is treated with a neutralizing composition for a periodof time followed by a treatment with a neutralizing conditioner for aperiod of time. After rinsing the neutralizing composition and theneutralizing conditioner from the hair, the hair may be subjected to aregular shampooing and optional conditioning routine, dried, and styled.

More specifically, the methods include:

-   -   applying a neutralizing composition to hair within about 24, 6,        or 1 hour(s) from rinsing a chemical relaxer composition from        the hair, the neutralizing composition comprising:    -   at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid selected from        the group consisting of maleic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid,        malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, citric acid,        glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid,        fumaric acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, glyoxylic acid        monohydrate, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof, in        particular, maleic acid, malonic acid, a salt thereof, and a        mixture thereof;    -   one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines, in particular,        monoethanolamine; and    -   water;    -   allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on the hair for        a period of time (e.g., about 10 seconds to about 30 minutes,        about 5 minute to about 15 minutes, or about 8 to about 12        minutes);    -   after allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on the        hair for a period of time, without rinsing the neutralizing        composition from the hair, applying a neutralizing conditioner        (the neutralizing conditioner being a different composition than        the neutralizing composition), the neutralizing conditioner        comprising:    -   at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid selected from        the group consisting of maleic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid,        malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, citric acid,        glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid,        fumaric acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, glyoxylic acid        monohydrate, and a mixture thereof, in particular, maleic acid,        malonic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof;    -   one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines, in particular,        monoethanolamine;    -   one or more cationic surfactants; and    -   water;    -   allowing the neutralizing conditioner to remain on the hair for        a period of time (e.g., about 10 seconds to about 30 minutes,        about 5 minute to about 15 minutes, or about 8 to about 12        minutes); and    -   after allowing the neutralizing conditioner to remain on the        hair for a period of time, rinsing the neutralizing conditioner        and the neutralizing composition from the hair.

After rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizingcomposition from the hair, the hair may further shampooed with a shampooand/or conditioned with a conditioner. Also, the hair may besubsequently dried and styled, for example, the hair may be dried with ablow dryer and/or styled with a hot iron.

The neutralizing composition and the neutralizing conditioner are notidentical compositions although they may both include identicalcarboxylic acid(s) and/or identical C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines. Theneutralizing conditioner typically differs from the neutralizingcomposition by including components that provide conditioning propertiesto the hair, for example, cationic surfactants, cationic polymers,water-soluble solvents, fatty compounds, etc. The neutralizingcomposition provides initial neutralization of the pH of the chemicallyrelaxed hair, i.e., the neutralizing composition reduces the alkaline pHof chemically relaxed hair (pH of about 8-10) to an acidic pH of lessthan 7. Although the neutralizing conditioner continues to neutralizethe pH of the hair (i.e., continues to reduce the pH of the hair), itadditionally provides conditioning, strengthening, and other desirableproperties to the hair.

The neutralizing composition may be provided as a concentratedcomposition that is diluted prior to application to the hair. Aconcentrated neutralizing composition may be diluted, for example, withwater prior to application to the hair. In some instances, theconcentrated neutralizing composition is diluted with water in a ratioof about 1:1 to about 1:10 (concentrated neutralizingcomposition:water). The dilution ratio may also be about 1:2 to about1:8, about 1:3 to about 1:7, about 1:4 to about 1:6, or about 1:6 (i.e.,one part concentrated neutralizing composition combined with six partsof water). A non-limiting example of a concentrated neutralizingcomposition includes:

-   -   i. about 1 to about 30 wt. %, about 2 to about 25 wt. %, or        about 5 to about 20 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid        selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, oxalic acid,        malonic acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, citric        acid, glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid,        fumaric acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, glyoxylic acid        monohydrate, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof, in        particular, maleic acid, malonic acid, a salt thereof, and a        mixture thereof, in particular, maleic acid, malonic acid, a        salt thereof, and a mixture thereof;    -   ii. about 1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 15 wt. %, or        about 2 to about 10 wt. % of one or more C₂-C₆        monoalkanolamines, in particular, monoethanolamine; and    -   iii. about 50 to about 95 wt. %, about 60 to about 90, or about        70 to about 90 wt. % of water.

The neutralizing composition may include additional components, forexample, water-soluble solvents, thickening agents, preservatives,perfumes, etc. Nonetheless, additional components are not required andmay be excluded. Non-limiting examples of additional components that maybe included in the hair-treatment compositions are provided later, underheadings such as, “Water-Soluble Solvents,” “Thickening Agents,” etc.

The neutralizing composition is often provided in the form of a liquid,but may be in the form of a gel, a foam, a lotion, a cream, a mousse, anemulsion, etc. A concentrated neutralizing composition in the form of aliquid, for example, can be diluted with water and applied to the hairwith a spray bottle.

The ratio of the total amount of the at least one carboxylic acid, asalt thereof, or mixture thereof in the neutralizing composition to thetotal amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines in theneutralizing composition is about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about4:1, or about 1:1 to about 3:1. The ratio applies regardless of whetherthe neutralizing composition is concentrated or diluted (ready-to-use),as dilution does not influence the ratio of the carboxylic acid, a saltthereof, or mixture thereof to the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines.

The total amount of the one or more carboxylic acids in the neutralizingcomposition when applied to the hair (after being diluted or whenprovided as a ready-to-use composition) may vary but is typically atleast 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, or about 1 toabout 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingcomposition. In some cases, the total amount of the one or morecarboxylic acids in the neutralizing composition is at least 0.5 toabout 10 wt. %, at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, at least 0.5 to about 6wt. %, at least 0.5 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, about1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %,about 1 to about 4 wt. %, or about 1 to about 2 wt. %.

The total amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines in theneutralizing composition when applied to the hair (after being dilutedor when provided as a ready-to-use composition) may vary but istypically about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, orabout 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of theneutralizing composition. In some cases, the total amount of the one ormore C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines is about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 4 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, about 0.3 toabout 10 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 6 wt. %,about 0.3 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.3 toabout 1 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %,about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.5 toabout 2 wt. %, or about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %.

The total amount of water in the neutralizing composition when appliedto the hair (after being diluted or when provided as a ready-to-usecomposition) may vary but is typically about 50 to about 99 wt. %, about60 to about 98 wt. %, or about 70 to about 98 wt. %, based on the totalweight of the neutralizing composition. In some cases, the total amountof water may be about 50 to 99 wt. %, about 60 to about 99 wt. %, about70 to about 99 wt. %, about 80 to about 99 wt. %, about 85 to about 99wt. %, about 60 to about 98 wt. %, about 70 to about 98 wt. %, about 80to about 98 wt. %, about 85 to about 98 wt. %, or about 80 to about 97wt. %.

The neutralizing conditioners used in the methods typically include:

-   -   i. at least 0.5 wt. % of at least one carboxylic acid selected        from the group consisting of maleic acid, oxalic acid, malonic        acid, malic acid, glutaric acid, citraconic acid, citric acid,        glycolic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid,        fumaric acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, glyoxylic acid        monohydrate, and a mixture thereof, in particular, maleic acid,        malonic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof;    -   ii. one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines, in particular,        monoethanolamine;    -   iii. one or more cationic surfactants; and    -   iv. water.

The neutralizing condition may include additional components such as,for example, fatty compounds, water-soluble solvents, cationic polymers,thickening agents, pH adjusters, preservatives, perfumes, etc. Theneutralizing conditioner may be provided in the form of a liquid, a gel,a foam, a lotion, a cream, a mousse, an emulsion, etc.

The ratio of the total amount of the at least one carboxylic acid, asalt thereof, or mixture thereof in the neutralizing conditioner to thetotal amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines in theneutralizing conditioner is about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about4:1, or about 1:1 to about 3:1.

The total amount of the one or more carboxylic acids in the neutralizingconditioner may vary but is typically at least 0.5 to about 10 wt. %,about 1 to about 8 wt. %, or about 1 to about 6 wt. %, based on thetotal weight of the neutralizing conditioner. In some cases, the totalamount of the one or more carboxylic acids in the neutralizingconditioner is at least 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, at least 0.5 to about 8wt. %, at least 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, at least 0.5 to about 4 wt. %,about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, about 1 to about 4 wt. %, or about 1to about 2 wt. %.

The total amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines in theneutralizing conditioner may vary but is typically about 0.1 to about 10wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, or about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, basedon the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner. In some cases, thetotal amount of the one or more C₂-C₆ monoalkanolamines is about 0.1 toabout 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %,about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.1 toabout 1 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 8 wt. %,about 0.3 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.3 toabout 2 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 1 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %,about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 toabout 4 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, or about 0.5 to about 1 wt.%.

Many cationic surfactants are well-known and may be used in theneutralizing conditioner. Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactantsinclude cetrimonium chloride, cetrimonium methosulfate, stearimoniumchloride, behentrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate,behenamidopropyltrimonium methosulfate, stearamidopropyltrimoniumchloride, arachidtrimonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride,dicetyldimonium chloride, tricetylmonium chloride, oleamidopropyldimethylamine, linoleamidopropyl dimethylamine, isostearamidopropyldimethylamine, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, oleyl hydroxyethylimidazoline, stearamidopropyldimethylamine,behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine,behenamidoethyldiethyl-amine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine,arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamido-propyidiethylamine,arachidamidoethyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidimethylamine,myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, brassicyl isoleucinateesylate, and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the neutralizingconditioner includes at least cetrimonium chloride, behentrimoniummethosulfate, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, quaternium-91, and amixture thereof.

A more exhaustive list of cationic surfactants that may be included inthe hair-treatment compositions is provided later, under the heading“Cationic Surfactants.”

The total amount of the one or more cationic surfactants may vary but istypically about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 15 wt. %, orabout 1 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total amount of the conditioningcomposition. In some cases, the total amount of the one or more cationicsurfactants may be about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 toabout 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, or about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%.

The total amount of water in the neutralizing conditioner may vary butis typically about 50 to about 95 wt. %, about 60 to about 92 wt. %, orabout 70 to about 90 wt. %, based on the total weight of theneutralizing conditioner. In some cases, the total amount of water maybe about 50 to about 95 wt. %, about 55 to about 95 wt. %, about 60 toabout 95 wt. %, about 65 to about 95 wt. %, about 70 to about 95 wt. %,about 75 to about 95 wt. %, about 80 to about 95 wt. %, about 60 toabout 92 wt. %, about 70 to about 92 wt. %, about 80 to about 92 wt. %,about 60 to about 90 wt. %, about 70 to about 90 wt. %, or about 80 toabout 90 wt. %.

The neutralizing conditioner may include one or more fatty compounds.Non-limiting examples of fatty compounds include oils, mineral oil,fatty alcohols, fatty acids, alkyl ethers of fatty alcohols, fatty acidesters of fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters of alkyl ethers of fattyalcohols, fatty acid esters of alkoxylated fatty alcohols, fatty acidesters of alkyl ethers of alkoxylated fatty alcohols,hydroxy-substituted fatty acids, and a mixture thereof. In some cases,the conditioning composition includes at least mineral oil, cetearylalcohol, or a mixture thereof. A more exhaustive list of fatty compoundsthat may be included in the neutralizing conditioner is provided later,under the heading “Fatty Compounds.”

The total amount of the one or more fatty compounds may be about 0.1 toabout 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner. In some cases, the total amount of the one or more fattycompounds may be about 0.1 to about 30 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 wt.% to about 40 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, about 1 wt. % toabout 20 wt. %, or about 1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %.

Water-soluble solvents may be included in the neutralizing conditioner.The term “water-soluble solvent” is interchangeable with the term“water-miscible solvent” and means a compound that is liquid at 25° C.and at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg), and it has a solubility of atleast 50% in water under these conditions. In some cases, the watersoluble solvents has a solubility of at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%.Non-limiting examples of water-soluble solvents include, for example,glycerin, C₁₋₄ alcohols, organic solvents, fatty alcohols, fatty ethers,fatty esters, polyols, glycols, vegetable oils, mineral oils, liposomes,laminar lipid materials, or any a mixture thereof. As examples oforganic solvents, non-limiting mentions can be made of monoalcohols andpolyols such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzylalcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as,for example, monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethyleneglycol, propylene glycol or ethers thereof such as, for example,monomethyl ether of propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol,dipropylene glycol as well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, forexample monoethyl ether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. Othersuitable examples of organic solvents are ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, propane diol, and glycerin.The organic solvents can be volatile or non-volatile compounds.

Further non-limiting examples of water-soluble solvents which may beused include alkanediols (polyhydric alcohols) such as glycerin,1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol,pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-butene-1,4-diol,2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, (caprylyl glycol),1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol; alkylalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethanol, methanol, butanol,propanol, and isopropanol; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycolmonomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycolmonobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethyleneglycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether,diethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butylether, ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycolmono-t-butyl ether, 1-methyl-1-methoxybutanol, propylene glycolmonomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycolmono-t-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propyleneglycol mono-iso-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether,dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propylether, and dipropylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether; 2-pyrrolidone,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, formamide,acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, sorbit, sorbitan, acetine, diacetine,triacetine, sulfolane, and a mixture thereof.

In some cases, the water-soluble solvent may be selected from the groupconsisting of one or more glycols, C₁₋₄ alcohols, glycerin, and amixture thereof. In some cases, the water-soluble solvent is selectedfrom the group consisting of hexylene glycol, proplene glycol, caprylylglycol, glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, and a mixture thereof.

Polyhydric alcohols are useful. Examples of polyhydric alcohols includeglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol,1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol,1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol,2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, and a mixture thereof. Polyol compounds may also beused. Non-limiting examples include the aliphatic diols, such as2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol,2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol,2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol,5-hexene-1,2-diol, and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, and a mixture thereof.

A more exhaustive list of water-soluble solvents that may be included inthe neutralizing conditioner is provided later, under the heading“Water-Soluble Solvents.”

The total amount of the one or more water-soluble solvents in theneutralizing conditioner may vary, but in some cases are about 0.1 toabout 50 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 30 wt. %, or about 1 to about 15 wt.%, based on the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner. The totalamount of the one or more water-soluble solvents may be about 0.1 toabout 40 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 30 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 20 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 20 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 50 wt. %, about 1 to about 40 wt. %,about 1 to about 30 wt. %, about 1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about10 wt. %, or about 1 to about 5 wt. %.

One or more thickening agents may also be included in the neutralizingconditioner. Non-limiting examples of thickening agents includecarboxylic acid/carboxylate copolymers, hydrophobically-modifiedcross-linked copolymers of carboxylic acid and alkyl carboxylate vinylpolymers, cross linked acrylic acid polymers (carbomer), methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxylpropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, sodiumcellulose sulfate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, crystallinecellulose, cellulose powder, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol,guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, xanthan gum, arabic gum, tragacanthgum, carob gum, karaya gum, carrageenan, pectin, agar, starch, algaecolloids, starch-based polymers, methylhydroxypropyl starch, alginicacid-based polymers, propylene glycol esters, sodium polyacrylate,polyethylacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyethyleneimine, bentonite,aluminum magnesium silicate, laponite, hectonite, anhydrous silicicacid, and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the one or more thickeningagents are selected from the group consisting of cross linked acrylicacid polymers (carbomer), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxylpropylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone,polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, xanthan gum, arabicgum, carrageenan, starch-based polymers, and a mixture thereof. In somecases, the neutralizing conditioner includes at least hydroxylpropylcellulose.

A more exhaustive list of thickening agents that may be included in theneutralizing conditioner is provided later, under the heading“Thickening Agents.”

The total amount of the one or more thickening agents can vary but istypically about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, or about0.1 to about 4 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner. The total amount of the one or more thickening agents maybe about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.01to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt.%, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.5 toabout 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %,or about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %.

In some cases, the neutralizing conditioner may include one or morecationic polymers. Non-limiting examples of cationic polymers includepoly(methacryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride),polyquaternium-37, quaternized cellulose derivatives, polyquaternium-4,polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-11, cationic alkyl polyglycosides,cationized honey, cationic guar derivatives, polymeric dimethyl diallylammonium salts and copolymers thereof with esters and amides of acrylicacid and methacrylic acid, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone withquaternized derivatives of dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate and methacrylate,vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl imidazolium methochloride copolymers,quaternized polyvinyl alcohol, polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-7,polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, polyquaternium-24,polyquaternium-27, polyquaternium-72, and a mixture thereof. In somecases, the one or more cationic polymers are polyquaterniums, forexample, polyquaternium-11, polyquaternium-37, or a mixture thereof.

A more exhaustive list of cationic polymers that may be included in theneutralizing conditioner is provided later, under the heading “CationicPolymers.”

The total amount of the one or more cationic polymers may vary but ittypically about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of theneutralizing conditioner. The total amount of the one or more cationicpolymers may be about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 5 wt.%, about 0.01 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, or about 0.1 to about 3wt. %.

According to an embodiment of the instant disclosure, methods fortreating hair include:

-   -   i. applying a chemical relaxer composition to the hair and        relaxing the hair, for example, a chemical relaxer composition        comprising:        -   a. one or more caustic agents such as sodium hydroxide:        -   b. one or more fatty compounds, one or more surfactants,        -   c. one or more water-soluble solvents, and/or        -   d. one or more cationic polymers;            -   and allowing the chemical relaxer composition to remain                on the hair for a period of time sufficient to                chemically relax the hair (e.g., from about 5 to about                30 min., about 5 to about 25 min., or about 10 to about                20 min.);    -   ii. rinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the hair,        typically with water;    -   iii. applying a neutralizing composition to the hair within        about 30, about 15, or about 5 minutes from rinsing the chemical        relaxer composition from the hair, the neutralizing composition        comprising:        -   a. at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %,            or about 1 to about 5 wt. % of maleic acid and/or a salt            thereof, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            composition;        -   b. about 0.2 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.2 to about 4 wt. %,            or about 0.5 to about 3 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based on            the total weight of the neutralizing composition; and        -   c. about 75 to about 99 wt. %, about 85 to about 98 wt. %,            or about 90 to about 98 wt. % of water;            -   wherein the ratio of maleic acid and/or a salt thereof                to monethanolamine in the neutralizing composition is                about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about                1:1 to about 3:1 (maleic acid:monethanolamine);    -   iv. allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on the hair        for a period of time, for example, about 8 to about 15 min.,        about 8 to about 12 min., or about 10 min;    -   v. after the neutralizing composition has remained on the hair        for the period of time, without rinsing the neutralizing        composition from the hair, applying a neutralizing conditioner        to the hair, the neutralizing conditioner comprising:        -   a. at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %,            or about 1 to about 5 wt. % of maleic acid, based on the            total weight of the neutralizing conditioner;        -   b. about 0.2 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.2 to about 4 wt. %,            or about 0.5 to about 3 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based on            the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner;        -   c. about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %,            or about 1 to about 5 wt. % of one or more cationic            surfactants, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            conditioner;        -   d. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 15 wt. %,            or about 1 to about 10 wt. % of one or more fatty compounds;        -   e. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 15 wt. %,            or about 1 to about 10 wt. % of one or more water-soluble            solvents, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            conditioner; and        -   f. about 50 to about 90 wt. %, about 70 to about 90 wt. %,            or about 80 to about 90 wt. % of water, based on the total            weight of the neutralizing conditioner;            -   wherein the ratio of maleic acid to monethanolamine in                the neutralizing conditioner is about 1:1 to about 5:1,                about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1 to about 3:1                (maleic acid:monethanolamine);    -   vi. allowing the neutralizing conditioner to remain on the hair        for a period of time, for example, about 8 to about 15 min.,        about 8 to about 12 min., or about 10 min;    -   vii. rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizing        composition from the hair;    -   viii. applying a shampoo to the hair after rinsing the        neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizing composition from        the hair; and    -   ix rinsing the shampoo from the hair.

After rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizingcomposition from the hair, the hair may further shampooed with a shampooand/or conditioned with a conditioner. Also, the hair may besubsequently dried and styled, for example, the hair may be dried with ablow dryer and/or styled with a hot iron. In another embodiment, themethods according to the disclosure include:

-   -   A. applying a chemical relaxer composition to the hair and        relaxing the hair, for example, a chemical relaxer composition        comprising:        -   a. one or more caustic agents such as sodium hydroxide:        -   b. one or more fatty compounds, one or more surfactants,        -   c. one or more water-soluble solvents, and/or        -   d. one or more cationic polymers;            -   and allowing the chemical relaxer composition to remain                on the hair for a period of time sufficient to                chemically relax the hair (e.g., from about 5 to about                30 min., about 5 to about 25 min., or about 10 to about                20 min.);    -   B. rinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the hair;    -   C. applying a neutralizing composition to the hair within 15        minutes from rinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the        hair, the neutralizing composition comprising:        -   a. at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. % of maleic acid and/or a            salt thereof, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            composition;        -   b. about 0.2 to about 5 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based on            the total weight of the neutralizing composition; and        -   c. about 85 to about 98 wt. % of water;            -   wherein the ratio of maleic acid and/or a salt thereof                to monethanolamine in the neutralizing composition is                about 1:1 to about 3:1;    -   D. allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on the hair        for about 10 minutes;    -   E. after the neutralizing composition has remained on the hair        for about 10 minutes, without rinsing the neutralizing        composition from the hair, applying a neutralizing conditioner        to the hair, the neutralizing conditioner comprising:        -   a. about 1 to about 5 wt. % of maleic acid and/or a salt            thereof, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            conditioner;        -   b. about 0.2 to about 3 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based on            the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner;        -   c. about 0.5 to about 5 wt. % of one or more cationic            surfactants, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            conditioner;        -   d. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % of one or more fatty            compounds;        -   e. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % of one or more water-soluble            solvents, based on the total weight of the neutralizing            conditioner; and        -   f. about 60 to about 90 wt. % water, based on the total            weight of the neutralizing conditioner;            -   wherein the ratio of maleic acid to monethanolamine in                the neutralizing conditioner is about 1:1 to about 3:1;    -   F. allowing the neutralizing conditioner to remain on the hair        for about 10 minutes;    -   G. rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizing        composition from the hair;    -   H. applying a shampoo to the hair within 15 minutes from rinsing        the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizing composition        from the hair; and    -   I. rinsing the shampoo from the hair.

After rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizingcomposition from the hair, the hair may further shampooed with a shampooand/or conditioned with a conditioner. Also, the hair may besubsequently dried and styled, for example, the hair may be dried with ablow dryer and/or styled with a hot iron.

The compositions used in the methods of the disclosure may beincorporated into kits. For example, the kits may include at least oneneutralizing composition and at least one neutralizing conditioner,which are separately contained. The neutralizing composition may be aconcentrated neutralizing conditioner, which is diluted prior toapplication to the hair. A concentrated neutralizing composition maydiluted with water in a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:10 (concentratedneutralizing composition:water). The dilution ratio may also be about1:2 to about 1:8, about 1:3 to about 1:7, about 1:4 to about 1:6, orabout 1:6 (e.g., one part concentrated neutralizing composition combinedwith six parts of water). The kits may also include a chemical relaxingcomposition. In some cases, the kits may also include a shampooingand/or cleansing composition (e.g., a shampoo, a conditioner (differentthan the neutralizing conditioner), a conditioning shampoo (all-in-oneshampoo/conditioner), etc.). Instructions, mixing components, brushes,gloves, measuring tools, etc., may also be included in the kits. In oneembodiment, kits according to the instant disclosure include at least: aconcentrated neutralizing composition and neutralizing shampoo, whichare separately contained. Also, included are mixing instructions and/orapplication instructions (e.g., instructions regarding how to dilute theconcentrated neutralizing composition and/or instructions regarding howto use the compositions of the kits for treating hair).

The compositions of the instant disclosure may be packaged in a varietyof different containers. Non-limiting examples of useful packaginginclude tubes, jars, caps, unit dose packages, bottles, etc., includingsqueezable tubes and bottles.

The methods of the disclosure dramatically improve the quality anddurability of the chemically relaxed hair. Accordingly, the disclosurerelates to methods for repairing, minimizing, and/or compensating fordamage to chemically relaxed hair. Moreover, the disclosure relates tomethods for restructuring, strengthening, and/or rejuvenating thekeratin fibers of hair. Along these lines, as shown the by testingdescribed herein, the disclosure relates to methods for improving theYoung's modulus of hair and to methods for improving the break stress ofthe hair. Therefore, in some instances, the methods relate to increasingthe mean Young's modulus of chemically relaxed hair by at least 5%, 10%,15%, 20%, 25%, or more, relative to chemically relaxed hair not treatedaccording to the described methods (e.g., relative to hair treated inthe same manner as hair treated according to the disclosed methods butwithout treatment with a neutralizing composition and a neutralizingconditioner). In some cases, the Young's modulus is increased by about 5to about 30%, about 10 to about 30%, about 15 to about 30%, about 5 toabout 25%, about 10 to about 25%, or about 15 to about 25%, relative tochemically relaxed hair not treated according to the described methods.

Likewise, in some instances, the methods relate to increasing the meanbreak stress of chemically relaxed hair by at least 5%, 10%, 12%, or15%, or more, relative to chemically relaxed hair not treated accordingto the described methods (e.g., relative to hair treated in the samemanner as hair treated according to the disclosed methods but withouttreatment with a neutralizing composition and a neutralizingconditioner). In some cases, the break stress is increased by about 5 toabout 20%, about 10 to about 20%, or about 10 to about 15% relative tochemically relaxed hair not treated according to the described methods.

More exhaustive but non-limiting lists of components useful in thechemical relaxer compositions, the neutralizing compositions, and theneutralizing conditioners of the instant disclosure are provided below.

Cationic Surfactants

The term “cationic surfactant” means a surfactant that is positivelycharged when it is contained in the composition according to thedisclosure. This surfactant may bear one or more positive permanentcharges or may contain one or more functions that are cationizable inthe composition according to the disclosure.

Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include behenalkoniumchloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride,behentrimonium chloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride,cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cethylamine hydrofluoride,chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimoniumchloride (Quaternium-5), dodecyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride(Quaternium-14), Quaternium-22, Quaternium-26, Quaternium-18 hectorite,dimethylaminoethylchloride hydrochloride, cysteine hydrochloride,diethanolammonium POE (10) oletyl ether phosphate, diethanolammonium POE(3)oleyl ether phosphate, tallow alkonium chloride, dimethyldioctadecylammoniumbentonite, stearalkonium chloride, domiphen bromide,denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride, laurtrimonium chloride,ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidine hydrochloride, pyridoxineHCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, meglumine hydrochloride,methylbenzethonium chloride, myrtrimonium bromide, oleyltrimoniumchloride, polyquaternium-1, procainehydrochloride, stearalkoniumbentonite, stearalkoniumhectonite, stearyl trihydroxyethylpropylenediamine dihydrofluoride, tallowtrimonium chloride, andhexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide.

The cationic surfactant(s) may be chosen from optionallypolyoxyalkylenated, primary, secondary or tertiary fatty amines, orsalts thereof, and quaternary ammonium salts, and a mixture thereof.

The fatty amines generally comprise at least one C₈-C₃₀hydrocarbon-based chain.

Examples of quaternary ammonium salts that may especially be mentionedinclude: those corresponding to the general formula (III) below:

in which the groups R₈ to R₁₁, which may be identical or different,represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic groupcomprising from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or an aromatic group such as arylor alkylaryl, at least one of the groups R₈ to R₁₁ denoting a groupcomprising from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and preferably from 12 to 24 carbonatoms. The aliphatic groups may comprise heteroatoms especially such asoxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and halogens. The aliphatic groups are chosen,for example, from C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkenyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkoxy,polyoxy(C₂-C₆)alkylene, C₁-C₃₀ alkylamide,(C₁₂-C₂₂)alkylamido(C₂-C₆)alkyl, (C₁₂-C₂₂)alkyl acetate and C₁-C₃₀hydroxyalkyl groups; X⁻ is an anion chosen from the group of halides,phosphates, acetates, lactates, (C₁-C₄)alkyl sulfates, and (C₁-C₄)alkyl-or (C₁-C₄)alkylarylsulfonates.

Among the quaternary ammonium salts of formula (III), those that arepreferred are, on the one hand, tetraalkylammonium salts, for instancedialkyldimethylammonium or alkyltrimethylammonium salts in which thealkyl group contains approximately from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, inparticular behenyltrimethylammonium, distearyldimethylammonium,cetyltrimethylammonium or benzyldimethylstearylammonium salts, or, onthe other hand, oleocetyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium salts, palm itylamidopropyltrimethylammonium salts, stearamidopropyltrimethylammoniumsalts and stearamidopropyldimethylcetearylammonium salts.

In some cases it is useful to use salts such as the chloride salts ofthe following compounds:

A. a quaternary ammonium salt of imidazoline, such as, for example,those of formula (IV) below:

in which R₁₂ represents an alkenyl or alkyl group comprising from 8 to30 carbon atoms, derived for example from tallow fatty acids, R₁₃represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or an alkyl or alkenylgroup comprising from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, R₁₄ represents a C₁-C₄ alkylgroup, R₁₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, X⁻ is ananion chosen from the group of halides, phosphates, acetates, lactates,alkyl sulfates, alkyl- or alkylaryl-sulfonates in which the alkyl andaryl groups preferably comprise, respectively, from 1 to 20 carbon atomsand from 6 to 30 carbon atoms. R₁₂ and R₁₃ preferably denote a mixtureof alkenyl or alkyl groups containing from 12 to 21 carbon atoms,derived for example from tallow fatty acids, R₁₄ preferably denotes amethyl group, and R₁₅ preferably denotes a hydrogen atom. Such a productis sold, for example, under the name REWOQUAT W 75 by the companyEvonik;

B. a quaternary diammonium or triammonium salt, in particular of formula(V):

in which R₁₆ denotes an alkyl radical comprising approximately from 16to 30 carbon atoms, which is optionally hydroxylated and/or interruptedwith one or more oxygen atoms, R₁₇ is chosen from hydrogen or an alkylradical comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a group(R_(16a))(R_(17a))(R_(18a))N—(CH₂)₃,

R_(16a), R_(17a), R_(18a), R₁₈, R₁₉, R₂₀ and R₂₁, which may be identicalor different, being chosen from hydrogen and an alkyl radical comprisingfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X⁻ is an anion chosen from the group ofhalides, acetates, phosphates, nitrates and methyl sulfates. Suchcompounds are, for example, FINQUAT CT-P, sold by the company Innospec(Quaternium 89), and FINQUAT CT, sold by the company Innospec(Quaternium 75),

C. a quaternary ammonium salt containing at least one ester function,such as those of formula (VI) below:

in which:

R₂₂ is chosen from C₁-C₆ alkyl groups and C₁-C₆ hydroxyalkyl ordihydroxyalkyl groups;

R₂₃ is chosen from:

R₂₇, which is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₁-C₂₂hydrocarbon-based group, and a hydrogen atom,

R₂₅ is chosen from:

R₂₉, which is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₁-C₆hydrocarbon-based group, and a hydrogen atom,

R₂₄, R₂₆ and R₂₈, which may be identical or different, are chosen fromlinear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₇-C₂₁ hydrocarbon-basedgroups;

r, s and t, which may be identical or different, are integers rangingfrom 2 to 6;

y is an integer ranging from 1 to 10;

x and z, which may be identical or different, are integers ranging from0 to 10;

X⁻ is a simple or complex, organic or mineral anion;

with the proviso that the sum x+y+z is from 1 to 15, that when x is 0then R_(n) denotes R₂₇, and that when z is 0 then R₂₅ denotes R₂₉.

The alkyl groups R₂₂ may be linear or branched, and more particularlylinear. In some cases, R₂₂ denotes a methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl ordihydroxypropyl group, and more particularly a methyl or ethyl group.Advantageously, the sum x+y+z is from 1 to 10.

When R₂₃ is a hydrocarbon-based group R₂₇, it may be long and containfrom 12 to 22 carbon atoms, or may be short and contain from 1 to 3carbon atoms. When R₂₅ is an R₂₉ hydrocarbon-based group, it preferablycontains 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Advantageously, R₂₄, R₂₆ and R₂₈, whichmay be identical or different, are chosen from linear or branched,saturated or unsaturated C₁₁-C₂₁ hydrocarbon-based groups, and moreparticularly from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₁₁-C₂₁alkyl and alkenyl groups.

In some cases, x and z, which may be identical or different, have valuesof 0 or 1. Likewise, in some cases y is equal to 1. In some cases, r, sand t, which may be identical or different, are equal to 2 or 3, andeven more particularly are equal to 2.

The anion X⁻ is may be a halide (chloride, bromide or iodide) or analkyl sulfate, more particularly methyl sulfate. However, use may bemade of methanesulfonate, phosphate, nitrate, tosylate, an anion derivedfrom an organic acid, such as acetate or lactate, or any other anioncompatible with the ammonium containing an ester function.

The anion X⁺ is even more particularly chloride or methyl sulfate.

Use is made more particularly, in the composition according to theinvention, of the ammonium salts of formula (VI) in which:

R₂₂ denotes a methyl or ethyl group,

x and y are equal to 1;

z is equal to 0 or 1;

r, s and t are equal to 2;

R₂₃ is chosen from:

methyl, ethyl or C₁₄-C₂₂ hydrocarbon-based groups, and a hydrogen atom;

R₂₅ is chosen from:

and a hydrogen atom;

R₂₄, R₂₆ and R₂₈, which may be identical or different, are chosen fromlinear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C₁₃-C₁₇ hydrocarbon-basedgroups, and preferably from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturatedC₁₃-C₁₇ alkyl and alkenyl groups. The hydrocarbon-based groups areadvantageously linear.

Mention may be made, for example, of the compounds of formula (VI) suchas the diacyloxyethyldimethylammonium, diacyloxyethylhydroxyethylmethylammonium,monoacyloxyethyldihydroxyethylmethylammonium,triacyloxyethylmethylammonium andmonoacyloxyethylhydroxyethyldimethylammonium salts (chloride or methylsulfate in particular), and a mixture thereof. The acyl groupspreferably contain 14 to 18 carbon atoms and are obtained moreparticularly from a plant oil, such as palm oil or sunflower oil. Whenthe compound contains several acyl groups, these groups may be identicalor different.

These products are obtained, for example, by direct esterification oftriethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, an alkyldiethanolamine or analkyldiisopropanolamine, which are optionally oxyalkylenated, withC₁₀-C₃₀ fatty acids or with mixtures of C₁₀-C₃₀ fatty acids of plant oranimal origin, or by transesterification of the methyl esters thereof.This esterification is followed by quaternization using an alkylatingagent such as an alkyl (preferably methyl or ethyl) halide, a dialkyl(preferably methyl or ethyl) sulfate, methyl methanesulfonate, methylpara-toluenesulfonate, glycol chlorohydrin or glycerol chlorohydrin.Such compounds are, for example, sold under the names DEHYQUART by thecompany BASF, STEPANQUAT by the company Stepan, NOXAMIUM by the companyCeca or REWOQUAT WE 18 by the company Evonik.

Water-Soluble Solvents

The term “water-soluble solvent” is interchangeable with the term“water-miscible solvent” and means a compound that is liquid at 25° C.and at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg), and it has a solubility of atleast 50% in water under these conditions. The hair-treatmentcompositions of the instant disclosure may include one or morewater-soluble solvents.

Water-soluble solvents include, for example, glycerin, C₁₋₄ alcohols,organic solvents, fatty alcohols, fatty ethers, fatty esters, polyols,glycols, vegetable oils, mineral oils, liposomes, laminar lipidmaterials, or any a mixture thereof. As examples of organic solvents,non-limiting mentions can be made of monoalcohols and polyols such asethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, andphenylethyl alcohol, or glycols or glycol ethers such as, for example,monomethyl, monoethyl and monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol or ethers thereof such as, for example, monomethyl ether ofpropylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, dipropylene glycolas well as alkyl ethers of diethylene glycol, for example monoethylether or monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol. Other suitable examplesof organic solvents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butyleneglycol, hexylene glycol, propane diol, and glycerin. The organicsolvents can be volatile or non-volatile compounds.

Further non-limiting examples of water-soluble solvents which may beused include alkanediols (polyhydric alcohols) such as glycerin,1,2,6-hexanetriol, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol,pentaethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-butene-1,4-diol,2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, (caprylyl glycol),1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol; alkylalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethanol, methanol, butanol,propanol, and isopropanol; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycolmonomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycolmonobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethyleneglycol mono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether,diethylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butylether, ethylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether, diethylene glycolmono-t-butyl ether, 1-methyl-1-methoxybutanol, propylene glycolmonomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycolmono-t-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propyleneglycol mono-iso-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether,dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propylether, and dipropylene glycol mono-iso-propyl ether; 2-pyrrolidone,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, formamide,acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, sorbit, sorbitan, acetine, diacetine,triacetine, sulfolane, and a mixture thereof.

In some cases, the water-soluble solvent may be selected from the groupconsisting of one or more glycols, C₁₋₄ alcohols, glycerin, and amixture thereof. In some cases, the water-soluble solvent is selectedfrom the group consisting of hexylene glycol, proplene glycol, caprylylglycol, glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, and a mixture thereof.

Polyhydric alcohols are useful. Examples of polyhydric alcohols includeglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol,1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol,1,5-pentanediol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol,2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, and a mixture thereof.

Polyol compounds may also be used. Non-limiting examples include thealiphatic diols, such as 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol,3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol,2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol, and2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, and a mixture thereof.

Fatty Compounds

Non-limiting examples of fatty compounds include oils, mineral oil,fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcohol derivatives, fatty acidderivatives (such as alkoxylated fatty acids or polyethylene glycolesters of fatty acids or propylene glycol esters of fatty acids orbutylene glycol esters of fatty acids or esters of neopentyl glycol andfatty acids or polyglycerol/glycerol esters of fatty acids or glycoldiesters or diesters of ethylene glycol and fatty acids or esters offatty acids and fatty alcohols, esters of short chain alcohols and fattyacids), esters of fatty alcohols, hydroxy-substituted fatty acids,waxes, triglyceride compounds, lanolin, and a mixture thereof. Forinstance, one or more fatty compounds may be selected from the groupconsisting of glycol distearate, PEG-55 propylene glycol oleate,cetearyl alcohol, soybean oil, cetyl esters, isononanoate isopropylmyristate, cetearyl alcohol, orbigynya oleifera seed oil, propyleneglycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, mineral oil, and a mixture thereof.

Non-limiting examples of the fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcoholderivatives, and fatty acid derivatives are found in InternationalCosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Sixteenth Edition, 2016, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Fatty alcohols useful herein include those having from about 10 to about30 carbon atoms, from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, and from about16 to about 22 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols can be straight orbranched chain alcohols and can be saturated or unsaturated. Nonlimitingexamples of fatty alcohols include decyl alcohol, undecyl alcohol,dodecyl, myristyl, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol,isocetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, linalool, oleyl alcohol, cholesterol,cis4-t-butylcyclohexanol, myricyl alcohol and a mixture thereof. In somecases, the fatty alcohols are those selected from the group consistingof cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol,and a mixture thereof.

Fatty acids useful herein include those having from about 10 to about 30carbon atoms, from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, and from about 16to about 22 carbon atoms. These fatty acids can be straight or branchedchain acids and can be saturated or unsaturated. Also included arediacids, triacids, and other multiple acids which meet the carbon numberrequirement herein. Also included herein are salts of these fatty acids.Nonlimiting examples of fatty acids include lauric acid, palmitic acid,stearic acid, behenic acid, arichidonic acid, oleic acid, isostearicacid, sebacic acid, and a mixture thereof. In some cases, the fattyacids are selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearicacid, and a mixture thereof.

Fatty alcohol derivatives include alkyl ethers of fatty alcohols,alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkyl ethers of alkoxylated fatty alcohols,esters of fatty alcohols and a mixture thereof. Nonlimiting examples offatty alcohol derivatives include materials such as methyl stearylether; 2-ethylhexyl dodecyl ether; stearyl acetate; cetyl propionate;the ceteth series of compounds such as ceteth-1 through ceteth-45, whichare ethylene glycol ethers of cetyl alcohol, wherein the numericdesignation indicates the number of ethylene glycol moieties present;the steareth series of compounds such as steareth-1 through 10, whichare ethylene glycol ethers of steareth alcohol, wherein the numericdesignation indicates the number of ethylene glycol moieties present;ceteareth 1 through ceteareth-10, which are the ethylene glycol ethersof ceteareth alcohol, i.e. a mixture of fatty alcohols containingpredominantly cetyl and stearyl alcohol, wherein the numeric designationindicates the number of ethylene glycol moieties present; C1-C30 alkylethers of the ceteth, steareth, and ceteareth compounds just described;polyoxyethylene ethers of branched alcohols such as octyldodecylalcohol, dodecylpentadecyl alcohol, hexyldecyl alcohol, and isostearylalcohol; polyoxyethylene ethers of behenyl alcohol; PPG ethers such asPPG-9-steareth-3, PPG-11 stearyl ether, PPG8-ceteth-1, and PPG-10 cetylether; and a mixture thereof.

Non-limiting olyglycerol esters of fatty acids include those of thefollowing formula:

wherein the average value of n is about 3 and R¹, R² and R³ each mayindependently be a fatty acid moiety or hydrogen, provided that at leastone of R¹, R², and R³ is a fatty acid moiety. For instance, R¹, R² andR³ may be saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched, and have alength of C₁-C₄₀, C₁-C₃₀, C₁-C₂₅, or C₁-C₂₀, C₁-C₁₆, or C₁-C₁₀. Forexample, nonionic polyglycerol esters of fatty acids includepolyglyceryl-5 laurate,

The fatty acid derivatives are defined herein to include fatty acidesters of the fatty alcohols as defined above, fatty acid esters of thefatty alcohol derivatives as defined above when such fatty alcoholderivatives have an esterifiable hydroxyl group, fatty acid esters ofalcohols other than the fatty alcohols and the fatty alcohol derivativesdescribed above, hydroxy-substituted fatty acids, and a mixture thereof.Nonlimiting examples of fatty acid derivatives include ricinoleic acid,glycerol monostearate, 12-hydroxy stearic acid, ethyl stearate, cetylstearate, cetyl palmitate, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether stearate,polyoxyethylene stearyl ether stearate, polyoxyethylene lauryl etherstearate, ethyleneglycol monostearate, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene distearate, propyleneglycol monostearate,propyleneglycol distearate, trimethylolpropane distearate, sorbitanstearate, polyglyceryl stearate, dimethyl sebacate, PEG-15 cocoate,PPG-15 stearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryltristearate, PEG-8 laurate, PPG-2 isostearate, PPG-9 laurate, and amixture thereof. Preferred for use herein are glycerol monostearate,12-hydroxy stearic acid, and a mixture thereof.

In some cases, the one or more fatty compounds may be one or more highmelting point fatty compounds. A high melting point fatty compound is afatty compound having a melting point of 25° C. Even higher meltingpoint fatty compounds may also be used, for example, fatty compoundshaving a melting point of 40° C. or higher, 45° C. or higher, 50° C. orhigher. The high melting point fatty compound may be selected from thegroup consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcoholderivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Nonlimitingexamples of the high melting point compounds are found in InternationalCosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Fifteenth Edition, 2014, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The fatty alcoholsuseful herein are those having from about 14 to about 30 carbon atoms,preferably from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms. These fatty alcoholsare saturated and can be straight or branched chain alcohols.Non-limiting examples of high melting point fatty compounds includefatty alcohols such as, for example, cetyl alcohol (having a meltingpoint of about 56° C.), stearyl alcohol (having a melting point of about58-59° C.), behenyl alcohol (having a melting point of about 71° C.),and mixtures thereof. These compounds are known to have the abovemelting point. However, they often have lower melting points whensupplied, since such supplied products are often mixtures of fattyalcohols having alkyl chain length distribution in which the main alkylchain is cetyl, stearyl or behenyl group. In the present application,more preferred fatty alcohols are cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol andmixtures thereof.

Thickening Agents

Thickening agents (also referred to as thickeners or viscosity modifyingagents) are well known. Classes of such agents include, but are notlimited to, semisynthetic polymers, such as semisynthetic cellulosederivatives, synthetic polymers, such as carbomers, poloxamers, andacrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates copolymer,polyethyleneimines (e.g., PEI-10), naturally occurring polymers, such asacacia, tragacanth, alginates (e.g., sodium alginate), carrageenan,vegetable gums, such as xanthan gum, petroleum jelly, waxes, particulateassociate colloids, such as bentonite, colloidal silicon dioxide, andmicrocrystalline cellulose, surfactants, such as PPG-2 hydroxyethylcoco/isostearamide, emulsifiers, such as disteareth-75 IPDI, and salts,such as sodium chloride, starches, such as hydroxypropyl starchphosphate, potato starch (modified or unmodified), celluloses such ashydroxyethylcellulose, guars such as hydroxypropyl guar, and a mixturethereof.

In some cases, the thickening agents may include one or more associativethickening polymers such as anionic associative polymers, amphotericassociative polymers, cationic associative polymers, nonionicassociative polymers, and a mixture thereof. A non-limiting example ofan amphoteric associative polymer is acrylates/beheneth-25methacrylatecopolymer, sold under the tradename NOVETHIX L-10 (Lubrizol).Non-limiting examples of anionic associative polymers include INCI name:acrylates copolymer, sold under the tradename CARBOPOL Aqua SF-1(Lubrizol), INCI name: acrylates crosspolymer-4, sold under thetradename CARBOPOL Aqua SF-2 (Lubrizol), and a mixture thereof. Theassociative thickening polymers, for instance, the acrylates copolymerand/or the acrylates crosspolymer-4, may be neutralized in water or anaqueous solution with a neutralizing agent before the polymer is addedinto a hair-treatment composition.

Cationic Polymers

poly(methacryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride),polyquaternium-37, quaternized cellulose derivatives, polyquaternium-4,polyquaternium-10, cationic alkyl polyglycosides, cationized honey,cationic guar derivatives, polymeric dimethyl diallyl ammonium salts andcopolymers thereof with esters and amides of acrylic acid andmethacrylic acid, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone with quaternizedderivatives of dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate and methacrylate, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl imidazolium methochloride copolymers, quaternizedpolyvinyl alcohol, polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-7,polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, polyquaternium-24,polyquaternium-27, and a mixture thereof. In some instances, the one ormore cationic polymers may be selected from the group consisting ofpolyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-10, cationic guar derivatives, and amixture thereof.

The cationic polymers can be a monoalkyl quaternary amine, such asstearyltrimonium chloride, soyatrimonium chloride or coco-ethyldimoniumethosulfate. Other suitable cationic polymers include, but are notlimited to, behentrimonium chloride, dialkyl quaternary amines, such asdicetyldimonium chloride, dicocodimethyl ammonium chloride ordistearyldimethyl ammonium chloride; and polyquaternium compounds, suchas Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-22 or Polyquaternium-5.

For example, cationic polymers may be chosen from

In some instances, the cationic polymers are cationic conditioningpolymers. Examples of cationic conditioning polymers that can be usedinclude, without limitation, cationic cellulose, cationic proteins, andcationic polymers. The cationic polymers can have a vinyl group backboneof amino and/or quaternary ammonium monomers. Cationic amino andquaternary ammonium monomers include, without limitation, dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, monoalkylaminoalkyl acrylate, monoalkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, trialkyl methacryoloxyalkyl ammonium salt, trialkylacryloxyalkyl ammonium salts, diallyl quaternary ammonium salts, vinylcompounds substituted with dialkyl aminoalkyl acrylate, and vinylquaternary ammonium monomers having cyclic cationic nitrogen containingrings such as pyridinium, imidazolium, or quaternized pyrrolidine. Otherexamples of cationic conditioning polymers that can be used include,without limitation, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, cocodimonium silkamino acids, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat or silkprotein, polyquaternium-5, polyquaternium-11, polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-6, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-14,polyquaternium-16, polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-10, and guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

In some cases quaternized polymeric cationic polymers are particularlyuseful. Particularly preferred are quaternary nitrogen polymers preparedby the polymerization of a dialkyldiallylammonium salt or copolymerthereof in which the alkyl group contains 1 to about 18 carbon atoms,and more preferably where the alkyl group is methyl or ethyl. Detailsconcerning the preparation of these polymers can be found in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,288,770, 3,412,019 and 4,772,462, incorporated herein byreference. For example, cationic homopolymers and copolymers ofpolydiallyldimethylammonium chloride are available in aqueouscompositions sold under the trademark MERQUAT by the Calgon Corporation,subsidiary of Merck & Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. The homopolymer, which isnamed Polyquaternium-6 is sold under the trademark MERQUAT-100, and isdescribed as having a weight average molecular weight of approximately100,000. A copolymer reaction product of dimethyldiallylammoniumchloride with acrylamide monomers is named Polyquaternium-7 is describedas having a weight average molecular weight of approximately 500,000 andis sold under the trademark MERQUAT-550. Another copolymer reactionproduct of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride with acrylic acids having aweight average molecular weight from about 50,000 to about 10,000,000has the name Polyquaternium-22 and is sold under the trademarkMERQUAT-280. Polyquaternium-6 is particularly preferred.

Other polymeric conditioners include cationic copolymers ofmethylvinylimidazolium chloride and vinyl pyrrolidone, sold commerciallyby BASF Aktiengesellschaft, West Germany under the trademark LUVIQUAT atthree comonomer ratios, namely at ratios of 95/5, 50/50 and 30/70methylvinylimidazolium chloride to polyvinylpyrrolidone. Thesecopolymers at all three comonomer ratios have the name Polyquaternium16. Polymeric conditioners also include cationic cellulosic polymers ofhydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with epichlorohydrin and quaternized withtrimethylamine, sold under the trademark POLYMER JR in various viscositygrades and molecular sizes by Union Carbide Corporation, Danbury, Conn.These series of polymers are named Polyquaternium 10. Also useful arequaternized copolymers of hydroxyethylcellulose anddimethyldimethylammonium chloride, having the name Polyquaternium-4,sold in varying molecular weights under the trademark CELQUAT byNational Starch and Chemical Corporation, Bridgewater, N.J.

Smaller molecule cationic non-polymeric conditioning agents can also beutilized herein. Exemplary small-molecule conditioning agents caninclude monofunctional or difunctional quaternary ammonium compounds,such as stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dimethyldi-(hydrogenatedtallow)ammonium chloride, and the like. Non-polymeric conditioningagents can also include the quaternary ammonium salts of gluconamidederivatives, such asgamma-gluconamidopropyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl-ammonium chloride andminkamidopropyldimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium chloride identifiedrespectively by the names Quaternium 22 and Quaternium 26. Details forthe preparation of these materials are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,766,267and 4,012,398, respectively, and the materials are sold under thetrademark CERAPHYL by Van Dyk & Co., Belleville, N.J. Also useful arebis-quaternary ammonium compounds which are dimers, such as 2-hydroxypropylene-bis-1,3-(dimethylstearyl ammonium chloride, designated thename, Hydroxypropyl Bisstearyldimonium chloride. The preparation ofthese and other bis-quat materials is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,734,277, and such materials are sold under the trademark JORDAQUATDIMER by Jordan Chemical Company, Folcroft, Pa.

Exemplary unquaternized polymers having tertiary amino nitrogen groupsthat become quaternized when protonated can include water-solubleproteinaceous quaternary ammonium compounds. Cocodimonium hydrolyzedanimal protein, for example, is the name for a chemically-modifiedquaternary ammonium derivative of hydrolyzed collagen protein havingfrom about 12 to about 18 carbons in at least one aliphatic alkyl group,a weight average molecular weight from about 2500 to about 12,000, andan isoionic point in a range from about 9.5 to about 11.5. This materialand structurally related materials are sold under the trademarks CROQUATand CROTEIN by Croda, Inc., New York, N.Y.

Implementation of the present disclosure is provided by way of thefollowing examples. The examples serve to illustrate the technologywithout being limiting in nature.

Example 1 Concentrated Neutralizing Composition

INCI US Name wt. % Active MALEIC ACID 10.7 Active MONOETHANOLAMINE 5.4Water WATER 83.9

Example 2 Neutralizing Conditioner

INCI US wt. % Active MALEIC ACID 1.9 Active ETHANOLAMINE 0.6 CationicBEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, 1.9 Surfactant(s) CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE,CETRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, AND/ORQUATERNIUM-91 Fatty CETEARYL ALCOHOL AND/OR 4.3 Compound(s) MINERAL OILWater-Soluble GLYCERIN AND/OR PROPYLENE 3.5 Solvent GLYCOL CationicPOLYQUATERNIUM-37 0.2 Polymer Thickener HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE 0.5 pHModifier(s) OPTIONAL COMPONENT 0-2 Preservative(s) OPTIONAL COMPONENT0-2 Fragrance(s) OPTIONAL COMPONENT 0-2 Water WATER Q.S.

Example 3 Testing

The mechanical properties of hair are a direct consequence of itscomposite structure. Accordingly, changes in mechanical propertiesreflect alterations in composite structure. A conventional approach forassessing mechanical properties of hair is generating a stress-straincurve by performing constant rate extension experiments. A variety ofparameters can be extracted from such curves that provide informationabout different portions of the hair structure. A typical stress-straincurve for dry hair is provided in FIG. 1. An industry standard forgenerating stress-strain curves is the use of a Dia-Stron Mini TensileTester (MTT). Tensile testing extends fibers 100% until break at a rateof 40 mm/min. Data generated from this testing is used to assessproperties of the hair structure.

Tensile testing was carried out to determine the influence of varioustreatments to hair, including treatments according to the methods of theinstant disclosure. Testing was performed in the wet state afterequilibration of hair fibers at 60% relative humidity. 50 individualfibers were prepared and tested per sample to ensure statistical rigor.Box and whisker plots were generated using Statistica™, while JMP™analytical software was used for statistical calculations (student'st-test at 95% confidence level). All testing was performed on hairprocured from International Hair Importers & Products (Glendale, N.Y.).The hair samples were mixed race hair tresses and were approximately 3 gin weight, 8″ in length, and 1″ wide.

Hair tresses were treated according to one of the following threeprotocols, A1, A2, and A3.

-   -   A1. A sodium hydroxide based chemical relaxer composition was        applied to the hair swatches and allowed to process for 20        minutes. After processing for 20 minutes, the chemical relaxer        composition was rinsed from the hair swatches. The hair swatches        were then shampooed and evaluated.    -   A2. A sodium hydroxide based chemical relaxer composition was        applied to hair swatches and allowed to process for 20 minutes.        After processing for 20 minutes, the chemical relaxer        composition was rinsed from the hair swatches. The hair swatches        were then treated with Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier®,        which was diluted with water (1 part of Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond        Multiplier® was combined with 6 parts water). The Olaplex® Step        No. 1 Bond Multiplier® was allowed to process for 10 minutes.        Without rinsing the Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier® from        the hair, Olaplex® Bond Perfector® No. 2 was applied to the hair        (Olaplex® Bond Perfector® No. 2 was layered on top of the        Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier® that was already on the        hair). Then, the Olaplex® Bond Perfector® No. 2 was allowed to        remain on the hair for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the        Olaplex® Bond Perfector® No. 2 and the underlying Olaplex® Step        No. 1 Bond Multiplier® were rinsed from the hair. After rinsing,        the hair swatches were shampooed and evaluated.    -   A3. A sodium hydroxide based chemical relaxer composition was        applied to the hair swatches and allowed to process for 20        minutes. After processing for 20 minutes, the chemical relaxer        composition was rinsed from the hair swatches. The hair swatches        were then treated with the Neutralizing Composition of Example        1, which was diluted with water (1 part of Neutralizing        Composition of Example 1 was combined with 6 parts water). The        Neutralizing Composition of Example 1 was allowed to process for        10 minutes. Without rinsing the Neutralizing Composition of        Example 1 from the hair, the Neutralizing Conditioner of Example        2 was applied to the hair (Neutralizing Conditioner of Example 2        was layered on top of the Neutralizing Composition of Example 1        that was already on the hair). Then, the Neutralizing        Conditioner of Example 2 was allowed to remain on the hair for        10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the Neutralizing Conditioner of        Example 2 and the underlying Neutralizing Composition of Example        1 were rinsed from the hair. After rinsing, the hair swatches        were shampooed and evaluated.

Hair tresses were also treated according to one of the following threeprotocols, B1, B2, and B3, which are similar to A1, A2, and A3, exceptthat a guanidine relaxer composition was used to relax the hair, and thehair was conditioned after shampooing, before evaluation.

-   -   B1. A guanidine based relaxer composition was applied to the        hair swatches and allowed to process for 20 minutes. After        processing for 20 minutes, the chemical relaxer composition was        rinsed from the hair swatches. The hair swatches were then        shampooed, conditioned, and evaluated.    -   B2. A guanidine based relaxer composition was applied to hair        swatches and allowed to process for 20 minutes. After processing        for 20 minutes, the chemical relaxer composition was rinsed from        the hair swatches. The hair swatches were then treated with        Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier®, which was diluted with        water (1 part of Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier® was        combined with 6 parts water). The Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond        Multiplier® was allowed to process for 10 minutes. Without        rinsing the Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier® from the hair,        Olaplex® Bond Perfector® No. 2 was applied to the hair (Olaplex®        Bond Perfector® No. 2 was layered on top of the Olaplex® Step        No. 1 Bond Multiplier® that was already on the hair). Then, the        Olaplex® Bond Perfector® No. 2 was allowed to remain on the hair        for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the Olaplex® Bond Perfector®        No. 2 and the underlying Olaplex® Step No. 1 Bond Multiplier®        were rinsed from the hair. After rinsing, the hair swatches were        shampooed, conditioned, and evaluated.    -   B3. A guanidine based relaxer composition was applied to the        hair swatches and allowed to process for 20 minutes. After        processing for 20 minutes, the chemical relaxer composition was        rinsed from the hair swatches. The hair swatches were then        treated with the Neutralizing Composition of Example 1, which        was diluted with water (1 part of Neutralizing Composition of        Example 1 was combined with 6 parts water). The Neutralizing        Composition of Example 1 was allowed to process for 10 minutes.        Without rinsing the Neutralizing Composition of Example 1 from        the hair, the Neutralizing Conditioner of Example 2 was applied        to the hair (Neutralizing Conditioner of Example 2 was layered        on top of the Neutralizing Composition of Example 1 that was        already on the hair). Then, the Neutralizing Conditioner of        Example 2 was allowed to remain on the hair for 10 minutes.        After 10 minutes, the Neutralizing Conditioner of Example 2 and        the underlying Neutralizing Composition of Example 1 were rinsed        from the hair. After rinsing, the hair swatches were shampooed,        conditioned, and evaluated.        The protocols outlined above are summarized in the table below.

Sodium Relaxer Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Shampoo Condition A1 20 min.Conditioner − 1× − Rinse 3 min. Rinse A2 20 min. Olaplex ® #1 Olaplex ®#2 1× − Rinse (diluted in 10 minutes water 1:6) Rinse 10 min. No RinseA3 20 min. Neutralizing Neutralizing 1× − Rinse Composition Conditionerof Ex. 1 of Ex. 2 (diluted in 10 min. water 1:6) Rinse 10 min. No RinseGuanidine Relaxer Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Shampoo Condition B1 20 min.Conditioner − 1× 1× Rinse 3 min. Rinse B2 20 min. Olaplex ® #1 Olaplex ®#2 1× 1× Rinse (diluted in 10 minutes water 1:6) Rinse 10 min. No RinseB3 20 min. Neutralizing Neutralizing 1× 1× Rinse Composition Conditionerof Ex. 1 of Ex. 2 (diluted in 10 min. water 1:6) Rinse 10 min. No Rinse

Elastic Modulus Testing (Young's Modulus)

The slope of the initial portion of a stress-strain curve (see FIG. 1)is termed the Young's modulus. The Young's modulus represents a measureof the hair's spring-like structure (elasticity). The Young's modulusregion of the curve is often termed the linear region (sometimes theelastic region). The mean Young's modulus for the hair swatches treatedaccording to the above protocols was determined and the results aresummarized in the table below and graphically presented in FIG. 2(a) andFIG. 2(b).

Std Err Lower Upper N Mean Std Dev Mean 95% 95% A1 47 754.3 171.4 25.0703.4 804.6 A2 42 789.6 232.3 35.8 717.2 862.0 A3 45 953.4 170.2 25.4902.3 1004.5 

Std Err Lower Upper N Mean Std Dev Mean 95% 95% B1 47 789.2 215.7 31.5752.9 852.6 B2 47 712.1 162.3 23.7 664.4 759.7 B3 50 757.9 203.2 28.7700.1 815.6

The data was statistically analyzed according to the Tukey-Kramermethod, a well-known, single-step multiple comparison statisticalanalysis to find means that are significantly (statistically) differentfrom each other. The mean for A3 was significantly (statistically)higher than the mean of A1 and A2. The means for A1 and A2, however,were not significantly (statistically) different from one another.Similarly, the mean for B1 was higher than the mean for B2 and B3,although the differences between B1, B2, and B3 was not consideredstatistically different according the Tukey-Kramer method The resultsillustrate that hair treated according to the method of the instantdisclosure exhibit higher Young's modulus mean values than hair treatedaccording to the protocols of A1 and B1, and A2 and B2.

Break Stress Testing

The break stress represents the force/area needed to break the hairfiber. A higher break stress represents a stronger and stiffer hairfiber. The hair swatches treated according to protocols A1, A2, and A3(above) were subjected to break stress testing. The results aresummarized in the table below and graphically presented in FIG. 3(a) andFIG. 3(b).

Std Err Lower Upper N Mean Std Dev Mean 95% 95% A1 47 116.7 16.0 2.3112.0 121.4 A2 42 119.6 21.0 3.2 113.1 126.2 A3 45 136.3 14.8 2.2 131.9140.8

Std Err Lower Upper N Mean Std Dev Mean 95% 95% B1 47 109.3 20.5 3.0103.3 115.3 B2 47 109.8 14.3 2.1 105.6 114.0 B3 50 118.9 18.2 2.6 113.7124.0

The data was statistically analyzed according to the Tukey-Kramermethod. The mean for A3 was significantly (statistically) higher thanthe mean of A1 and A2. The mean for A1 and A2, however, were notsignificantly (statistically) different from one another. Similarly, themean for B1 was higher than the mean for B2 and B3, although thedifferences between B1, B2, and B3 were not shown to be statisticallysignificant according the Tukey-Kramer method. The results illustratethat hair treated according to the method of the instant disclosureexhibit higher break stress mean values than hair treated according tothe protocols of A1 and B1, and A2 and B2.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DCS)

DSC can be a tool for investigating the structural characteristics ofhair fibers. Keratin undergoes detectable transformations at varioustemperatures. Changes in these transformation temperatures can be usedto estimate how a particular hair-treatment may influence hair fibers.In the instant case, DSC was used to measure the denaturationtemperature (T_(d)) and denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) of hair fibers.Denaturation temperature (T_(d)) has been used as a representation ofthe thermal stability of hair fibers, which is influenced, at least inpart, by the cross-link density of the matrix (intermediate filamentassociated proteins, IFAP). Thermal stability (T_(d)) and itsrelationship in determining the thermal stability of hair fibers isestablished in the literature.

The interpretation of denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) in the context of hairfibers is much more complex and does not necessarily follow the trendfor denaturation temperature (T_(d)). Denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) isthought to reflect the relative amount of crystalline/ordered proteinswithin a hair fiber, and therefore may be used to estimate structuralintegrity of the α-helical materials (intermediate filaments, IF).

Testing was carried out on hair swatches treated according to protocolsdescribed above (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, and B3). Testing was also carriedout using malonic acid in the hair-treatment composition instead ofmaleic acid, but malonic acid did not perform as well as maleic acid inthe DSC testing. It was found that the denaturation temperature (T_(d))for hair treated according to the instant disclosure using maleic acid(according to protocol A3 and B3) was significantly higher than thedenaturation temperature (T_(d)) for hair treated according to accordingto A1 and A2, and B1 and B2. With respect to denaturation enthalpy (ΔH),the data show that the denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) for A2 wassignificantly higher than for both A1 and A3, but there was nosignificant difference in denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) between B1, B2, andB3.

The results from the DSC testing, in particular, the denaturationtemperature (T_(d)) data, suggest that hair treated according to theinstant disclosure (A3 and B3) has greater thermal stability than hairtreated according to A1 and A2, and B1 and B2.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the disclosure.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the preferredembodiments but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that it iscapable to use in various other combinations, modifications, andenvironments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scopeof the invention concepts as expressed herein, commensurate with theabove teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Theembodiments described herein above are further intended to explain bestmodes known by applicant and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with thevarious modifications required by the particular applications or usesthereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit theinvention to the form disclosed herein. Also, it is intended to theappended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” (or“comprise,” “have,” and “include”) are used in their open, non-limitingsense.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are understood to encompass the plural aswell as the singular.

Thus, the term “a mixture thereof” also relates to “mixtures thereof.”Throughout the disclosure, the term “a mixture thereof” is used,following a list of elements as shown in the following example whereletters A-F represent the elements: “one or more elements selected fromthe group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture thereof.” Theterm, “a mixture thereof” does not require that the mixture include allof A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B, C, D, E, and F may beincluded). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A,B, C, D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent tothe phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting ofA, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, andF.”

Likewise, the term “a salt thereof” also relates to “salts thereof.”Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the groupconsisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,”it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included,one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, asalt of E, and a salt of F may be include, or a mixture of any two of A,B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, asalt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

The salts referred to throughout the disclosure may include salts havinga counter-ion such as an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammoniumcounterion. This list of counterions, however, is non-limiting.

The expression “one or more” means “at least one” and thus includesindividual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditionsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about,” meaning within +/−5% of the indicated number.

Some of the various categories of components identified for thehair-treatment compositions may overlap. For example, overlap may existbetween some thickening agents and some cationic polymers. In such caseswhere overlap may exist and the hair-treatment composition includes bothcomponents (or the hair-treatment composition includes more than twocomponents that overlap), an overlapping compound does not representmore than one component. For example, a homopolymer of methylquaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate crosslinked by acrosslinking agent may be considered both a cationic polymer and athickening agent. If a particular hair-treatment composition includesboth a cationic polymer component and a thickening agent component, asingle homopolymer of methyl quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylatecrosslinked by a crosslinking agent will serve as only the cationicpolymer or only the thickening agent (the compound does not serve asboth the cationic polymer and the thickening agent).

All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based upon the total weightof the compositions of the present invention, unless otherwiseindicated.

“Keratinous substrates” as used herein, includes, but is not limited tokeratin fibers such as hair and/or scalp on the human head.

“Conditioning” as used herein means imparting to one or more hair fibersat least one property chosen from combability, moisture-retentivity,luster, shine, and softness. The state of conditioning can be evaluatedby any means known in the art, such as, for example, measuring, andcomparing, the ease of combability of the treated hair and of theuntreated hair in terms of combing work (gm-in), and consumerperception.

The term “treat” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refersto the application of the compositions of the present disclosure ontothe surface of keratinous substrates such as hair. The term “treat,” andits grammatical variations, relates to contacting hair with thehair-treatment compositions of the present disclosure.

The term “stable” as used herein means that the composition does notexhibit phase separation and/or crystallization for a period of time,for example, for at least 1 day (24 hours), one week, one month, or oneyear.

“Volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of less thanabout 100° C.

“Non-volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of greaterthan about 100° C.

All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. Forexamples, any value or point described herein that falls within a rangedescribed herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive asub-range, etc. Furthermore, all ranges provided are meant to includeevery specific range within, and combination of sub-ranges between, thegiven ranges. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4and 5, as well as sub ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

The term “substantially free” or “essentially free” as used herein meansthat there is less than about 5% by weight of a specific material addedto a composition, based on the total weight of the compositions.Nonetheless, the compositions may include less than about 3 wt. %, lessthan about 2 wt. %, less than about 1 wt. %, less than about 0.5 wt. %,less than about 0.1 wt. %, or none of the specified material.

The term “essentially anhydrous” or “substantially anhydrous” as usedherein, for example, in the context of an “essentially anhydroushair-treatment composition” or a “substantially anhydrous hair-treatmentcomposition” means that the composition includes less than about 5% byweight of water. Nonetheless, the composition may include less thanabout 4 wt. %, less than about 3 wt. %, less than about 2 wt. %, lessthan about 1 wt. %, less than about 0.5 wt. %, less than about 0.1 wt. %of water, less than about 0.05 wt. % water, or less than 0.01 wt. %water.

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification areherein incorporated by reference, and for any and all purposes, as ifeach individual publication or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event ofan inconsistency between the present disclosure and any publications orpatent application incorporated herein by reference, the presentdisclosure controls.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for treating hair comprising: A.applying a chemical relaxer composition to the hair and relaxing thehair; B. rinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the hair; C.applying a neutralizing composition to the hair within 15 minutes fromrinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the hair, the neutralizingcomposition comprising: a. at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. % of maleic acidand/or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the neutralizingcomposition; b. about 0.2 to about 5 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based onthe total weight of the neutralizing composition; and c. water; whereinthe ratio of maleic acid and/or a salt thereof to monoethanolamine inthe neutralizing composition is about 1:1 to about 5:1; D. allowing theneutralizing composition to remain on the hair for 8 to 12 minutes; E.after the neutralizing composition has remained on the hair for 8 to 12minutes, without rinsing the neutralizing composition from the hair,applying a neutralizing conditioner to the hair, the neutralizingconditioner comprising: i. at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. % of maleic acid,based on the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner; ii. about 0.2to about 5 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based on the total weight of theneutralizing conditioner; iii. about 0.5 to about 5 wt. % of one or morecationic surfactants, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner; iv. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % of one or more fattycompounds; v. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % of one or more water-solublesolvents, based on the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner; andvi. water; wherein the ratio of maleic acid to monoethanolamine in theneutralizing conditioner is about 1:1 to about 5:1 (maleicacid:monethanolamine); F. allowing the neutralizing conditioner toremain on the hair for 8 to 12 minutes; G. rinsing the neutralizingconditioner and the neutralizing composition from the hair; H. applyinga shampoo to the hair within 15 minutes from rinsing the neutralizingconditioner and the neutralizing composition from the hair; and I.rinsing the shampoo from the hair.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theratio of maleic acid and/or a salt thereof to monoethanolamine in theneutralizing composition is about 1:1 to about 3:1.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the neutralizing composition comprises about 1 to about5 wt. % of the maleic acid and/or a salt thereof, based on the totalweight of the neutralizing composition.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the ratio of maleic acid and/or a salt thereof tomonoethanolamine in the neutralizing conditioner is about 1:1 to about3:1.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the neutralizing conditionercomprises about 1 to about 5 wt. % of the maleic acid and/or a saltthereof, based on the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the neutralizing composition comprisesabout 0.2 to about 3 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based on the totalweight of the neutralizing composition.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the neutralizing conditioner comprises about 0.2 to about 3 wt.% of monoethanolamine, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the neutralizingcomposition comprises about 85 to about 98 wt. % water.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the neutralizing conditioner comprises about 60 toabout 90 wt. % water.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or morecationic surfactants are selected from the group consisting ofcetrimonium chloride, cetrimonium methosulfate, stearimonium chloride,behentrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate,behenamidopropyltrimonium methosulfate, stearamidopropyltrimoniumchloride, arachidtrimonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride,dicetyldimonium chloride, tricetylmonium chloride, oleamidopropyldimethylamine, linoleamidopropyl dimethylamine, stearamidopropyldimethylamine, isostearamidopropyl dimethylamine, oleyl hydroxyethylimidazoline, stearamidopropyldimethylamine,behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine,behenamidoethyldiethyl-amine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine,arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamido-propyidiethylamine,arachidamidoethyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidimethylamine,quaternium-91, and a mixture thereof.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinthe one or more fatty compounds are selected from the group consistingof oils, waxes, butter, alkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fattyalcohol derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, esters of fatty alcohols,hydroxy-substituted fatty acids, waxes, triglyceride compounds, lanolin,ceramide, and a mixture thereof.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein thetotal amount of the one or more fatty compounds is about 1 wt. % toabout 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or morewater-soluble solvents are selected from the group consisting ofpolyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, C₁₋₄ alcohols, and a mixturethereof.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the total amount ofwater-soluble solvents in the neutralizing conditioner are about 1 wt. %to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprisesincreasing a mean Young's modulus of the hair by at least 10% relativeto hair treated with only a chemical relaxer composition.
 16. The methodof claim 1, wherein the method comprises increasing a mean break stressof the hair by at least 10% relative to hair treated with only achemical relaxer composition.
 17. A method for treating hair comprising:A. applying a chemical relaxer composition to the hair and relaxing thehair; B. rinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the hair; C.applying a neutralizing composition to the hair within 15 minutes fromrinsing the chemical relaxer composition from the hair, the neutralizingcomposition comprising: a. at least 0.5 to about 8 wt. % of maleic acidand/or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the neutralizingcomposition; b. about 0.2 to about 5 wt. % of monoethanolamine, based onthe total weight of the neutralizing composition; and c. about 85 toabout 98 wt. % of water; wherein the ratio of maleic acid and/or a saltthereof to monoethanolamine in the neutralizing composition is about 1:1to about 3:1; D. allowing the neutralizing composition to remain on thehair for about 10 minutes; E. after the neutralizing composition hasremained on the hair for about 10 minutes, without rinsing theneutralizing composition from the hair, applying a neutralizingconditioner to the hair, the neutralizing conditioner comprising: i.about 1 to about 5 wt. % of maleic acid, based on the total weight ofthe neutralizing conditioner; ii. about 0.2 to about 3 wt. % ofmonoethanolamine, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner; iii. about 0.5 to about 5 wt. % of one or more cationicsurfactants, based on the total weight of the neutralizing conditioner;iv. about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % of one or more fatty compounds; v. about0.5 to about 20 wt. % of one or more water-soluble solvents, based onthe total weight of the neutralizing conditioner; and vi. about 60 toabout 90 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the neutralizingconditioner; wherein the ratio of maleic acid to monoethanolamine in theneutralizing conditioner is about 1:1 to about 3:1; F. allowing theneutralizing conditioner to remain on the hair for about 10 minutes; G.rinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizing compositionfrom the hair; H. applying a shampoo to the hair within 15 minutes fromrinsing the neutralizing conditioner and the neutralizing compositionfrom the hair; and I. rinsing the shampoo from the hair.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the one or more cationic surfactants are selectedfrom the group consisting of cetrimonium chloride, cetrimoniummethosulfate, stearimonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride,behentrimonium methosulfate, behenamidopropyltrimonium methosulfate,stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride, arachidtrimonium chloride,distearyldimonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, tricetylmoniumchloride, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, linoleamidopropyl dimethylamine,stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, isostearamidopropyl dimethylamine, oleylhydroxyethyl imidazoline, stearamidopropyldimethylamine,behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine,behenamidoethyldiethyl-amine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine,arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamido-propyidiethylamine,arachidamidoethyidiethylamine, arachidamidoethyidimethylamine,quaternium-91, and a mixture thereof.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the one or more fatty compounds are selected from the groupconsisting of oils, waxes, butter, alkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids,fatty alcohol derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, esters of fattyalcohols, hydroxy-substituted fatty acids, waxes, triglyceridecompounds, lanolin, ceramide, and a mixture thereof.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the one or more water-soluble solvents are selectedfrom the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, C₁₋₄alcohols, and a mixture thereof.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein themethod comprises increasing a mean Young modulus of the hair by at least10% relative to hair treated with only a chemical relaxer composition.22. The method of claim 17, wherein the method comprises increasing amean break stress of the hair by at least 10% relative to hair treatedwith only a chemical relaxer composition.